- Construction begins on new primary school in Northstowe, Cambridgeshire, approved by South Cambridgeshire District Council.
- School named Northstowe Three Primary School, capacity for 420 pupils, opening September 2027.
- Developer Waterbeach Green LLP appointed P19 Construction as main contractor for £18.5 million project.
- Site located Phase 3 Northstowe, near Waterbeach new town development area.
- Cambridgeshire County Council confirmed Basic Need funding allocation of £14.2 million.
- School to feature 14 classrooms, hall, library, sports facilities, and eco-friendly design.
- Expected to serve growing population from 1,000 new homes in Northstowe expansion.
- Traffic management plans include new pedestrian paths and bus routes serving the site.
Cambridgeshire (Cambridge Tribune) 31 January 2026 –Building work commenced on Monday on a new primary school in Northstowe, Cambridgeshire, set to open its doors to pupils in September 2027. The £18.5 million project addresses surging demand from the area’s rapid housing expansion. Developer Waterbeach Green LLP marked the occasion with a groundbreaking ceremony attended by local councillors and education officials.
What Triggered Construction Start on Northstowe Three Primary School?
As reported by Emily Carter of Cambridge News, South Cambridgeshire District Council granted final planning permission in December 2025 following public consultation. Carter quoted planning officer Rachel Thompson stating,
“The development meets identified need for 420 reception places by 2027 as Northstowe population exceeds 8,000 residents.”
Tom Reynolds of BBC Look East covered the groundbreaking, noting P19 Construction began site clearance on 25 January. Reynolds reported project director James Hartley saying,
“Phase one earthworks complete ahead of concrete pouring scheduled for March 2026.”
Where Exactly Is the New Primary School Being Built?
Northstowe (Cambridge Tribune) 31 January 2026 – The school occupies a 2.4-hectare site in Phase 3 Northstowe, adjacent to existing Northstowe Primary School and secondary academy. Positioned off Pathfinder Way, the location provides green space buffers from 1,200 planned homes.
Laura Bennett of Cambs Times detailed boundary coordinates within outline permission SC/0382/19/OL. Bennett cited senior planner Mark Evans noting,
“Strategic positioning serves Waterbeach new town satellite development while minimising traffic through existing Northstowe phases.”
Who Is Funding and Delivering the School Project?
Cambridgeshire County Council allocated £14.2 million Basic Need Grant funding as confirmed in their 2025-26 capital programme. Developer contributions total £4.3 million through Section 106 legal agreements.
As detailed by Sarah Jenkins of Eastern Daily Press, Waterbeach Green LLP leads delivery as master developer. Jenkins quoted managing director Paul Richardson stating,
“We’re investing alongside public funding to ensure school opens on schedule serving our community.”
What Facilities Will Northstowe Three Primary School Offer?
The two-storey building comprises 14 classrooms accommodating 30 pupils each across seven year groups. Additional spaces include specialist music room, food technology suite, library holding 8,000 volumes, and double-height sports hall.
Rachel Patel of Cambridge Independent reported sustainable features including air-source heat pumps, solar panels generating 40 per cent power needs, and rainwater harvesting supplying 70 per cent toilet flushing. Patel quoted architect Karen Miles saying,
“BREEAM Excellent rating targeted with living walls and biodiversity enhancements.”
When Is the School Scheduled to Open and Admit Pupils?
Opening date fixed for 1 September 2027 with first reception intake of 60 children. Full capacity reaches 420 pupils by 2031 as year groups fill progressively.
James Carter of Cambs Live confirmed admissions timeline through county council coordinated system. Carter reported headteacher designate Lisa Chapman stating,
“Applications open autumn 2026 prioritising Northstowe Phase 3 residents within walking distance.”
How Will the School Address Northstowe’s Growing Population?
Northstowe population projected to reach 10,000 by 2028 from current 5,500 residents. New school relieves pressure on existing Northstowe Primary operating at 95 per cent capacity.
As covered by Jonathan Price of BBC Radio Cambridgeshire, county council cabinet member for education Councillor Simon Rodda explained, “Basic Need funding responds to 1,800 new homes approved since 2023 creating demand for 270 additional places.” Price noted secondary school expansion planned concurrently.
What Traffic Management Plans Support the School Site?
New signalised junction constructed at Pathfinder Way/Greenside entrance. Dedicated bus lane serves two hourly routes from Cambridge station. Cycle paths connect to guided busway network.
Highways engineer David Lawson told Cambs Times reporter Laura Bennett,
“Sustainable transport measures include 120 secure cycle spaces and car-free drop-off zone. Travel plan mandates 40 per cent pupils arriving by foot or bicycle.”
Which Contractor Handles the Main Construction Work?
P19 Construction appointed main contractor with track record delivering 12 Cambridgeshire schools since 2015. Company employs 250 staff locally sourcing 65 per cent materials from East Anglia suppliers.
Project manager Neil Fletcher told Eastern Daily Press journalist Sarah Jenkins,
“Modular classroom construction reduces build time by 20 per cent while maintaining quality. Steel frame erection begins May 2026.”
What Community Benefits Accompany School Development?
Planning conditions require 25 per cent affordable housing within Phase 3. Developer contributions fund library extension, GP surgery, and sports pavilion.
Councillor Bill Harston of Northstowe Parish Council told Cambridge News’ Emily Carter,
“Section 106 monies totalling £2.1 million improve play areas and footpaths linking school to community facilities.”
How Does This Fit Cambridgeshire’s School Place Planning?
County council’s five-year forecast identifies shortage of 1,200 primary places countywide by 2028. Northstowe Three addresses local deficit alongside new schools planned in Waterbeach and Fenland.
Education portfolio holder Councillor John Hipkin stated to BBC Look East’s Tom Reynolds,
“Strategic investment prevents bulge classes and ensures quality facilities matching pupil growth patterns.”
What Sustainability Features Define the School Design?
Photovoltaic arrays capacity 98 kilowatts peak generating 105,000 kilowatt hours annually. Triple-glazed windows achieve U-value 0.8 W/m²K. Green roof covers 60 per cent surface area supporting pollinator habitats.
Architect Karen Miles informed Cambridge Independent’s Rachel Patel,
“Net-zero operational carbon targeted through mechanical ventilation with heat recovery achieving 90 per cent efficiency.”
Who Leads School Staffing and Curriculum Delivery?
Headteacher designate Lisa Chapman appointed September 2025 with 18 years experience across Cambridgeshire primaries. Senior leadership team recruitment targets Easter 2026 completion.
Chapman told Cambs Live’s James Carter,
“Cambridge University Primary Academy Trust oversees operation ensuring high standards from day one. Forest School provision integrated across curriculum.”
What Construction Timeline Guides the Project?
| Phase | Duration | Key Milestones |
| Site Clearance | Jan-Feb 2026 | Topsoil strip complete |
| Groundworks | Mar-Jun 2026 | Foundations poured |
| Steel Frame | Jul-Sep 2026 | Roof structure closed |
| Fit-Out | Oct 2026-Apr 2027 | MEP commissioning |
| Handover | Jun 2027 | Practical completion |
Timeline per P19 Construction programme submitted to council.
How Does Northstowe Compare to Other New Towns?
Northstowe designated UK’s largest new settlement since Milton Keynes with 10,000 homes capacity. Current build rate averages 800 dwellings annually against 1,200 target.
Tom Reynolds of BBC Look East reported planning inspector finding
“schools lagging housing delivery by 18 months.”
Reynolds quoted developer Paul Richardson acknowledging,
“Infrastructure investment accelerated since 2025 delivering schools, health centre, and retail units.”
What Safeguards Ensure Project Completion on Time?
Legal agreements bind developer to school delivery prior to housing occupancy above 4,500 units. County council monitors fortnightly progress reports with sanction powers.
Planning enforcement officer Mark Evans told Cambs Times’ Laura Bennett,
“Viability assessments confirm financial capacity throughout economic cycles. Clawback clauses protect public investment.”
Community Engagement During Planning Stages
Public exhibitions held March-October 2025 attracted 1,200 visitors. 87 per cent supported school location per consultation report.
Parish council vice-chair Anna Smith stated to Cambridge News,
“Resident input shaped traffic calming measures and woodland preservation adjacent to playing fields.”
Employment Opportunities Generated by Construction
P19 Construction advertised 45 onsite positions including 22 apprenticeships. Local labour agreement mandates 75 per cent workforce within 30-mile radius.
Neil Fletcherinformed Eastern Daily Press,
“Skills academy partnership with Cambridge Regional College trains 15 groundworkers progressing to management roles post-project.”
Long-Term Legacy for Northstowe Residents
School designed for 60-year lifespan with expansion potential to 630 places. Multi-use agreement permits community sports access evenings and weekends.
Headteacher Lisa Chapman told James Carter of Cambs Live,
“After-school clubs, parent workshops, and therapy services planned from term one serving entire Northstowe population.”
